Dog | Pet Pampering

Selecting Your Pet’s Daycare

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Sending your dog to pet daycare can be as scary of a proposition as sending your own child to a daycare. Horror stories of rampant germ transfer exist, and this can occur in animal care centers. But, rest assured that any quality pet daycare center makes incredible efforts to keep the place clean and as germ free as possible. With sanitizers like bleach being used on common area floors daily, germ spread is kept to an absolute minimum.

As for the benefits of using a pet daycare, just remember that some of them are almost as good as pet spas. The people who work in the care facility tend to love animals, that’s why they’re there in the first place. They’re up on the latest trends in healthy animal behaviors, and will most likely have your dog interacting with other dogs on a daily basis while you vacation. Don’t be surprised if your dogs seem happier when you see them again following your trip, than they were when you dropped them off!

By choosing poorly, you may end up handing your pets over to a daycare that’s more interested in profits than in creating a cheerful environment for your pet. To avoid this case, what you’re looking to avoid is a place where movement and motion aren’t present. Look carefully. Are tails wagging and dogs looking excited when you show up? If all the animals at the daycare look like they’re simultaneously participating in nap time, it’s a bad sign for the overall vitality of the place. Standards may be low, and community exercise time might be a long distant notion. Your pet will be unhappy when it returns from a poorly managed daycare!

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Dog Clothes Range From Practical to Impractical

Dog clothes garner attention. Like people’s clothing, you can select from a wide variety of styles to suit your tastes, or even your night’s outfit. (Sorry, Fido isn’t going to tell you what he or she wants to wear!) That in mind, it’s easy to get pretty creative when dressing up your dog. Whether it’s a cute polka dotted skirt coupled with a bonnet and a festive bow around the neck, or something that more closely resembles animal formal wear, dog clothes can cover the entire range of personality traits that you think best represent your dog.

Of course, clothing for your pet can be practical, too. It need not make your pet draw unnecessary attention at all. On the practical side, there’s the old standby of putting an old tee shirt on your dog to help him or her keep in a bit of warmth during the chilly months of winter. A secondary use of the tee shirt approach is little discussed, but handy regardless. A tee shirt keeps your dog from shedding excessively all over the house! That’s nice at any time, but it’s especially good when you’re anticipating the arrival of guests.

Also on the practical side of dog clothing, are wintertime booties. These may be overkill in some climates, but in the very cold northern reaches of the country, where subzero temperatures are the norm, they can be very practical. They keep your dog’s foot pads off the very cold snow surface, creating an insulating layer that can be vital to maintaining a toy small dog’s health. Forget pet pampering, dog booties can be as important as your own boots!

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A Dog Collar and Leash in One

One of the coolest innovations to come out since the original dog collar – which allows identification of a ‘lost’ dog – pertains to the collar, but adds a necessary feature. Since before the first dog collar was ever put around a dog’s neck, leashes have been used to help keep dogs in check. Whether that’s to keep them from running off as in the case of an untrained animal, or merely to keep rival dogs from attacking one another, leashes are a necessity. And that’s where the collar that contains its own retractable leash comes into the picture. It solves two problems simultaneously, without creating a third – the ever present question of, ‘Honey, where’s the leash?’

The collar identifies your pet if it should wander off and be found by strangers. It also provides a handy place to grab your dog authoritatively should the need arise, such as if it’s about to walk out into oncoming traffic. The beauty of a retractable leash built into a permanently attached collar is easy to see. There are no more misplaced leashes. A leash is always available, not just when you’ve remembered to get one. And there’s no tangled leash to deal with after every dog walking session.

Considering its ease of use, it’s surprising that a retractable dog collar hasn’t been invented long before now. With two separate, short cables that keep your dog close by your side, there aren’t any ropes, leashes or other obstacles to trip over. Further, the pairing of cables keeps the leash from tangling, which is handy when it’s time to retract the leash and let your dog run free. With its relatively light weight and low profile design, a collar and leash in one unit is the ideal solution to keeping your pet experience as simple as possible. It’s even fully adjustable to accommodate for different sizes of dogs!

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Choosing Between a Large or a Small Dog

After you’ve decided that you’d like to pick up a dog to keep as a pet, the next decision usually involves choosing the breed of dog that you’re going to own for the foreseeable future. There is one main choice, and it revolves around size. Do you want a large dog that you can curl up with on cold evenings and that will help to keep you, and your feet, warm? Or would you like a tiny dog that’s closer to cat sized, that you can take with you as you go from the grocery store to the coffee shop, and then to the mall?

The distinctions aren’t subtle. A large dog requires very different things than a tiny dog. Great Danes, German Shepherds, and other large dogs will require vast amounts of food, for starters. Think of fifty pound bags of dry food disappearing in less than a month, and you’re getting the idea. Hefting those heavy bags of food from the retailer to your home is no small chore, especially if you live on the third floor! Larger dogs also can tend to be more territorial, so when you’re out walking your fuzzy pet, encounters of a snarling nature are bound to happen. Some people tend to shy away from violence and teeth baring encounters, so consider that aspect before getting a larger dog.

Tiny dogs such as Toy Pomeranians or Toy Poodles won’t do nearly as much to raise your monthly food bill. Medical expenses will be commensurate with larger dogs, though, so don’t expect substantial overall savings. Having a pet costs money and requires dedication and discipline whether the pet is palm sized or couch sized! However, with a toy sized dog, there is one definite advantage: you can bring Fido along with you virtually anywhere, which lends an air of constant companionship to your ownership experience.

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Pets are Good Parenting Preparation

A lot of people use pets as a learning experience to prepare for having children. The notion is not as odd as it might sound – pets require daily care and regular feeding, just as children do. They develop illnesses, adopt specific personalities, and attach themselves to their owners much as children attach to parents. There are some exceptions, such as reptiles, which care little for interaction with humans. But the vast majority of pets, be they fish, hamsters, or dogs, do appear to enjoy their owner’s presence. Fish, you might ask? Indeed. Certain types of fish, notably angel fish, will swim to any end of the fish tank that a person appears at, and remain there for an extended period. While you watch them, they watch you, in a game that seems to imply connection.

It’s not the same with fish as it is with most other animals that people choose as pets, of course. It’s impossible to handle fish like one does with a cat or a dog. And it’s the handling that creates some of the bond between owners and their pets. That’s why a lot of people prefer soft furry creatures as pets.

And of course, that’s why mammals are good teachers for those who desire to have kids in the future. Much like children, they can be picked up, touched, and fed in an air environment, rather than water. So while fish can seem to have personalities and character, if you want to experience the bond making that occurs between pets and their owners, go with mammals. Whether that leads you to a horse, dog, or cat, you’ll appreciate the learning experience that accompanies the raising of any of these creatures. Each occurrence will prepare you for raising a child well, whether that’s related to nutritional input or presenting a caring face when your loved one falls ill.

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Pets Spas: Better Than Grooming

T hose cat and dog owners who like to pamper their best friends with the very best will probably have them groomed quite often. Instead of selecting a typical groomer, why not choose to visit an actual pet spa with your pet? Pet spas are different from ordinary groomers in the products they use, the services they offer and the complete experience both pet and owner receive. While pets are being pampered, owners can relax in softly lit, well decorated spaces with a cup of herbal tea and some light, soothing music. Your dog or cat will be professionally washed, dried and brushed. Some pets will enjoy the massage that spas typically offer. Nails will be clipped and, if you request, painted a lively color to reflect your pet’s personality. Most pet spas will use only the best and safest organic products for your pet, ensuring that there has been no animal testing in the development. This also helps to strictly limit the chemicals that your pet may be exposed to.

M ost small dogs need to be clipped and have their coats trimmed for their best look and health. Pet spa staff members will gently and carefully cut or shave fur as you request, always with the best interests of the pet in mind. Pet spa prices will differ greatly depending upon the area of the country, so doing an internet search before you choose your pet spa will help you find the best value for your money, without scrimping on your pet’s luxury. It is also common for pet spas to offer a selection of services, allowing pet owners to choose individual items or a complete package of washing, grooming and trimming. End your trip to the spa by picking up a gourmet treat or new toy.

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Choose a Dog Daycare

Dog day cares are increasing in popularity in the United States, especially among working single professionals. Because many people do not have all the time and energy to devote to their pets, dog day cares can be a wonderful solution. Reputable dog day care centers will strictly screen their staff members before hiring and will only employ those individuals who enjoy and work well with dogs of all breeds. While your dog is at day care, he will be able to socialize with other selected dogs and staff members, get plenty of exercise and praised often for his good behaviors, further enforcing your hard work in training him. Also, many dog day cares offer grooming services.

Most dog day care centers also offer overnight or short term boarding for your dogs. If you have to go out of town for several days, the dog day care service will take care of your pet much better than a typical boarding center. Because they ask you to provide your own food, you can be sure that your dog is being fed the type, brand and amount of food that you request. Also, dog day care center staff members are able to administer any medications that your dog may require.

When screening dog day care centers in order to choose the one that is best for you, be sure to ask about their staff screening methods. You should also ask to see the areas where dogs sleep, where they are fed and where they are exercised. Some dog day care centers even often web cameras in their exercise rooms; you can peek in on your pet during the day to see just how much fun he is having.

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Common Mistakes of Pet Owners

One of the biggest mistakes that pet owners make is that they think training their new pet is going to come naturally. Unfortunately, animals like dogs and cats really only can be as good as they are taught to be. If you train your pet properly, it is going to be less likely to get into places where it does not belong. An improperly trained pet may destroy prized furniture like poker tables and living room furniture.

A trained pet is going to be a happy and well-adjusted pet. Dogs, especially, are going to thrive by having a sturdy social structure. Having a master, you, is a necessary part of giving your dog the chance at good mental health and good emotional health. Dogs need a hierarchy in order to be happy because this is their natural system of understanding. You should never chase your dog or hit your dog because your dog will not understand why you are doing these things. You must train your dog in terms and ways that he or she is actually going to understand. Basic commands have the best impact, such as “come,” “lay down,” “sit,” “stay,” and “off.” These simple and basic commands are going to make all the difference in determining how well your pet is going to behave.

Teaching your dog or cat basic manners is going to have a profound positive impact on how well your pet is able to behave and perform in your home, regardless of whether you are there at the time. If you want to avoid coming home to find that your pet destroyed a piece of furniture or a furnishing, you need to make sure that you have trained that pet completely. A little bit of basic training can really go a long way in ensuring that your pet is a good citizen in and outside of your home.

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Toy Dog Breeds

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Celebrities are often seen carrying very tiny dogs in purses, causing a resurgence in popularity in toy dog breeds. Some of these breeds are much better with other animals, while others are best with small children. Choosing a toy dog breed can be a difficult process, unless, of course, you just happen to encounter one that steals your heart. However, if all you know right now is that you want a toy dog, researching the pros and cons of the many breeds will help ensure that you make the right decision when you finally choose your pet.

Toy breeds may appear to be a good choice for those living in cities, apartments and condos, but it is important to understand that most toy dog breeds are very high in energy. They will still require lots of exercise in order to be happy and healthy. If you do not have the time to devote, that exercise may end up being in the form of furniture destruction and shoe chewing behaviors. Most people who choose a toy breed prefer the look of long-haired, fluffier types, but are unprepared for the amount of shedding they encounter. Low shedding toy breeds include Bichon Frise, Chihuahua and Maltese dogs, to name a few.

There are a few inherent problems with very small dogs. One of the most important considerations to keep in mind is that these dogs typically have very tiny bladders and will need the opportunity to go outside quite frequently. Also, the specialized breeding that results in very small dogs may cause future health problems. Careful attention to the dog’s diet, immunizations and checkups will go far to help avoid these problems. Additionally, there are a number of unscrupulous breeders who will overbreed and manipulate the breeding of their dogs in order to produce the smallest puppies possible. Make sure your breeder is reputable and cares for all of their dogs, not just the tiniest offspring.

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What to Consider When Getting a Dog

Dogs are called man’s best friend, and they can really add a lot of character and love to your life. Before any of that, though, you should figure out if you truly are ready for a dog. Do you have the time to give your new companion the attention he needs? Are you responsible enough to make sure he’s fed regularly every day and to take him for walks? Can you afford to care for a dog? Considering your capability of raising a dog is the first and most important step in bringing a new friend to your home.

One thing you need to consider is what type of dog to get. Make sure you get a dog that suits your lifestyle. Don’t keep an outdoor dog locked up inside because you don’t have a yard to put him in, and don’t try to leave a little lap dog alone in the backyard. Other things to consider include your budget. Dogs are great companions, but they need to be taken care of. You’ll need to budget for food, shots, tags, and regular veterinary checkups at the very least, not to mention spaying or neutering. In some cases you’ll end up adding daycare, grooming, kennel, or training expenses to those expenses. Don’t underestimate the financial responsibility of dog ownership.

Beyond expenses, consider the breed of dog you intend to keep. If you live in a small apartment, a big, hyper dog is probably not a good choice for you. Likewise, if you plan to do outdoorsy things with your pet, you should get a dog inclined to that type of activity. Don’t put a thick cloated cold weather dog through the hot summers in the deep south. As a final consideration, think of if you’d ever like to add more dogs to your family. If you want to keep one or two dogs, make sure to either get same sex dogs, have your dogs fixed, or both.

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